Build Story
500 size CH-54 Tarhe (Skycrane) Build
Michael R.
Chapter 1 of 15
The beginning of a Crane
Apr 21, 2025
This will be my build log of the Buamodel 500 size Skycrane. The model is sold as an S-64 firefighting variant, but I wanted to convert it back to the military CH-54. One of the big challenges there was fitting the mechanics. The stock setup hid most of the Trex 500 mechanics inside the suppressant tank. With that tank removed, there is very little space left in the upper spine.
To solve this, I designed a compact frame that uses parts from the Trex 500X and 500ESP that is about 40% shorter. Still need to shorten the mast a bit, but it seems feasible. Will be running Vario 530mm blades on a custom 6 blade head.
13 Comments
I am enjoying the build. It looks great. Thank you for posting.
Wow great 👌
Really Nice Michael!
Amasing work on the details ! Nice job.
Nicely done. I do not know how some modelers can work on small helicopters. My sausage fingers do not allow such work.
Great Job,
B
Looks outstanding Michael!
Thanks Tim!
Looks great
Oh how we heli pilots “listen” very intently every flight. Nice work.
Dude, I love the artillery suspended! What a great shot! I'm waiting for my Vario Air Crane to get painted and was thinking about suspending a Tamiya Maersk container from the bottom, but it's a turbine so I'll have to stash the fuel tank inside the container...fun project and yours gave me the idea to make the standard tank and my container swappable.
Very cool! Will look forward to seeing it!
Dammit Mann!!!
You may be the sling load "King"
Nicely done,
B
Very nice !